To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of extracranial malignant rhabdoid tumor (eMRT) in children, and to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of this disease.

Objective To explore the mechanism by which Wandai Decoction prevents and treats vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC)of the spleen deficiency and excessive dampness type and restores the vaginal flora structure,and to identify the potential metabolic pathways involved using metagenomics and metabolomics.Methods Twenty VVC patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to a Wandai Decoction group and a fluconazole group(n=10 in each group).Subjects in the fluconazole group were given a single oral dose of 150 mg fluconazole,while those in the Wandai Decoction group took the Wandai Decoction orally for 14 days.The vulvovaginal signs and symptoms(VSS)scores of both patient groups were evaluated before and after treatment.Vaginal secretions were collected before and after treatment.The Illumina sequencing and the liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)platform were used to conduct metagenomic and metabolomics analyses of the vaginal secretions,respectively.Results The VSS score results showed that the VSS scores of both groups decreased after treatment compared with those before treatment(P＜0.01),and there was no statistically significant difference in the VSS scores between the two groups after treatment.Metagenomics results showed that,after treatment,the vaginal microbial communities in the Wandai Decoction group were of CST Ⅱ and Ⅴ types(predominated by Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus jensenii),while those in the fluconazole group were Lactobacillus_intestinalis and Streptococcus_sp._oral_taxon_431.KEGG functional enrichment analysis results showed that,in terms of the cell cycle and meiosis functions of Candida albicans,statistically significant differences between the Wandai Decoction and fluconazole groups were observed(P＜0.05).Metabolomic analysis identified 120 differential metabolites between the two groups after treatment.The results of KEGG metabolic pathway enrichment analysis of differential metabolites showed that the Wandai Decoction might be significantly superior to fluconazole in improving local vaginal metabolic pathways of α-linolenic acid,glycerophospholipid metabolism,pentose and glucuronic acid interconversion,and arachidonic acid.Conclusion The Wandai Decoction can improve the vaginal flora of VVC patients.It may be superior to fluconazole in the signaling pathways of the cell cycle and meiosis.The improvement of the vaginal flora by the Wandai Decoction may be associated with its effect on metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolism,pentose and glucuronic acid interconversion,and others in the vagina.

Background: and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking. Methods: This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance. Results: Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal. Conclusions The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.

A method for simultaneous determination of 21 kinds of Aconitum alkaloids(ATS)in biological specimens and infused liquor using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS)was developed.The biological samples were pretreated with methanol-acetonitrile(1∶2,V/V)for protein precipitation,while infused liquors were diluted 100-fold with acetonitrile,followed by centrifugation,and filtration by a 0.22-μm membrane.Chromatographic separation was carried out on an EC-C18 column using gradient elution with the mixture of 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate and 0.2%formic acid as mobile phase A and acetonitrile as mobile phase B.With this method,all the analytes were separated within 9.5 min.The samples were detected in positive ESI mode with dynamic multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)and quantified via external standard calibration.The results showed that the concentrations of the analytes in the range of 2-1000 ng/mL had excellent linearity(R2>0.9992)with the peak area.The developed method was successfully used for detection of 21 kinds of aconitum alkaloids,with limits of detection of 0.5-2 ng/mL,quantification limits of 2-6 ng/mL,intra/inter-day precision≤6.0%,spiked recoveries of 89.4%-100.9%,extraction recoveries of 74.2%-104.4%,and matrix effects ranging from-11.1%to 9.2%in blood/urine.The method was applied to detection of 12 samples from 4 fatal aconite poisoning cases,and all 21 kinds of ATS with total alkaloid concentrations of 0.04-4.18 μg/mL in blood and 154.96-422.83 μg/mL in medicinal liquors were detected.Tissue distribution revealed that the order of concentrations from highest to lowest is as follows:urine(157.22 μg/mL)>gastric contents(51.37 μg/mL)>kidney(21.6 μg/g)>whole blood(4.18 μg/mL)>liver(0.03 μg/g).This method showed many advantages such as simple pretreatment,low detection limits,accurate quantification,broad analyte coverage,and superior anti-interference capability in complex matrices,proving ideal for forensic and toxicological analysis of aconitum alkaloids.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of self-prescribed Huoxue Shengjing Prescription as adjuvant therapy for varicocele-induced infertility and its impact on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ET/ICSI).Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 99 patients with varicocele-induced infertility in our hospital from January 2022 to July 2023 were selected as observation subjects and divided into three groups using a random number table method, with 33 patients in each group. The low ligation group received low ligation of varicocele under a microscope, the low ligation + conventional Western medicine treatment group received low ligation + conventional Western medicine therapy, and the combined group received low ligation + conventional Western medicine therapy + a self-prescribed Huoxue Shengjing Prescription. Among them, the low ligation of varicocele under a microscope was followed by IVF-ET/ICSI assisted reproductive technology 3 months after surgery; the conventional Western medicine therapy involved continuous administration of L-carnitine oral solution for 3 months; the self-prescribed Huoxue Shengjing Prescription was started on the first day after surgery and continued for 3 months. TCM syndrome scores were assessed before and after treatment, and semen routine analysis was performed using an automated semen quality analyzer. Mitochondrial activity of granulosa cells was measured using the Hrudka extraction method, and sperm nuclear DNA integrity was assessed using a modified alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis method. Follow-up was conducted for 1 year to observe and record the outcomes of IVF-ET/ICSI and evaluate the clinical efficacy.Results:The total effective rate was 93.9% (31/33) in the combined group, 69.7% (23/33) in the low ligation group, and 75.8% (25/33) in the low ligation + conventional Western medicine treatment group, with statistical significance ( χ 2=6.52, P=0.039). After treatment, the scores for mild abdominal pain, testicular heavy pain, impotence, mental fatigue, and the total score in the combined group were lower than those in the low ligation + conventional Western medicine treatment group and the low ligation group ( F values were 89.29, 97.51, 136.36, 155.06, and 311.13, respectively, P<0.001). The sperm survival rate, sperm concentration, normal morphology rate, and progressive motility rate in the combined group were higher than those in the low ligation + conventional Western medicine treatment group and the low ligation group ( F values were 19.23, 11.85, 35.97, and 52.21, respectively, P<0.001). Mitochondrial grade I cell activity of granulosa cells was higher than that of the low ligation + conventional treatment group and low ligation group ( F=23.23, P<0.001), and grade Ⅲ cell activity was lower than that of the low ligation + conventional treatment group and low ligation group ( F=20.28, P<0.001). After treatment, the detection of grade Ⅰ and Ⅱ sperm nuclear DNA integrity in the combined group were higher than those in the low ligation + conventional Western medicine treatment group and the low ligation group ( F values were 17.73 and 18.39, respectively, P<0.001), while grades Ⅲ and Ⅳ were lower than those in the low ligation + conventional Western medicine treatment group and the low ligation group ( F values were 29.07 and 10.36, respectively, P<0.001). During follow-up, the excellent embryo rate and the spouse's clinical pregnancy rate in the combined group were higher than those in the low ligation + conventional Western medicine treatment group and the low ligation group ( χ2 values were 14.92 and 8.38, respectively; P values were 0.001 and 0.015, respectively). Conclusion:The adjuvant treatment with a self-prescribed Huoxue Shengjing Prescription can enhance sperm quality in patients with varicocele-related infertility, maintain DNA integrity, regulate seminal plasma mitochondrial function, increase the rate of high-quality embryos, and improve the spouse's pregnancy outcomes.

AIM: To compare the efficacy, safety, and complications of 27G and 25G vitrectomy in the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD)involving the macular area.METHODS:This retrospective study analyzed 60 patients(60 eyes)initially diagnosed with RRD involving the macular area and undergoing 25G or 27G vitrectomy combined with retinal reattachment at our hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. Patients were divided into 25G group(30 eyes)and 27G group(30 eyes). Best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), intraocular pressure(IOP), surgical duration, retinal reattachment rate and complications of both groups of patients were compared before and after surgery.RESULTS: The mean surgical time in the 27G group was slightly longer than in the 25G group(40.20±7.52 vs 36.97±7.47 min). Incision leakage occurred in 7 eyes(23%)in the 25G group versus 1 eye(3%)in the 27G group, though the difference was not statistically significant between two groups(P>0.05). At 6 mo postoperatively, BCVA(LogMAR)improved significantly in both groups(27G: 0.37±0.19 vs preoperative 0.98±0.32; 25G: 0.40±0.17 vs preoperative 0.84±0.33; all P<0.05), with no statistical difference in BCVA(P>0.05). At 1 d postoperatively, the 25G group had lower mean IOP(12.29±2.86 mmHg)compared to the 27G group(15.87±3.70 mmHg; P<0.001), but no differences were observed at 1 wk or 1 mo postoperatively(all P>0.05). Retinal reattachment rates and complications(intra- or postoperative)showed no significant intergroup differences(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Both 25G and 27G vitrectomy are safe and effective in treating rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. However, the 27G vitrectomy offers advantages such as small incisions, better self-sealing properties, and more stable IOP.

The accumulation of uremic toxins such as urea nitrogen, blood creatinine, and uric acid of patients with renal failure in vivo would lead to aggravated kidney damage. In this study, coated aldehyde oxy-starch (CAO) was used as an adsorbent to investigate its in vitro adsorption performance on renal failure indexes for urea, indoxyl sulfate (INS), monomethylamine (MMA), dimethylamine (DMA), uric acid (UA), and creatinine (Cr). The effects of variables such as pH, temperature, concentration, dosage, and time on the adsorption capacity of CAO were systematically investigated, employing analytical techniques of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC). The results revealed that CAO exhibited a strong adsorption capacity for urea, INS, and MMA, alongside a moderate adsorption capacity for DMA, UA, and Cr. The adsorption kinetics and thermodynamic studies indicated that the adsorption of urea and UA by CAO were fitted in pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the adsorption isotherm aligned with the Freundlich adsorption model. The enthalpy change ΔH of urea in adsorption was in the range of 40 to 60 kJ·mol^-1, which demonstrated the presence of strong adsorption force due to the interactions of coordinating groups. The ΔH of UA was greater than 80 kJ·mol^-1, indicating the generation of chemical bonds during the adsorption. Both of them, Gibbs free energy ΔG was less than 0, within the range of -20 to 0 kJ·mol^-1, suggested that the adsorption of urea and UA by CAO occurred spontaneously as physical adsorption process. The adsorption entropy ΔS of urea and UA was > 0, which indicated an increase in entropy throughout the adsorption. The infrared spectroscopygram showed the formation of a chemical bond, specifically the imine bond, following the adsorption of urea by CAO, thereby indicating a chemical reaction during the adsorption. This study elucidates the adsorption mechanism of CAO on various indexes of renal failure, providing a scientific basis for its clinical usage.

OBJECTIVE To explore the main factors influencing the blood concentration of duloxetine， and provide a scientific basis for the individualized use of duloxetine. METHODS Retrospective analysis was conducted on 434 inpatients with depressive disorders at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University， who were treated with duloxetine and underwent blood concentration monitoring between January 2022 and April 2024. The study examined the impact of various factors， including gender， age， body mass index （BMI）， gene phenotypes， combined medication， drug type （original/generic）， and genotyping results of gene single nucleotide polymorphism loci， on blood concentration and the concentration-to-dose （C/D） after dose adjustment. RESULTS The blood concentration of duloxetine was 76.65 （45.57， 130.31） ng/mL， and C/D was 0.96 （0.63， 1.60） ng·d/（mL·mg）. The blood concentration of duloxetine was positively correlated with the daily dose of administration （R2＝0.253 7， P＜0.001）. Blood concentration of duloxetine in 38.94% of patients exceeded the recommended range specified in the guidelines. Gender， age， BMI， combined use of CYP2D6 enzyme inhibitors， and CYP2D6 and CYP1A2 phenotypes had significant effects on C/D of duloxetine （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The patient’s age， gender， BMI， combined medication， and genetic phenotypes are closely related to the blood concentration of duloxetine.

BACKGROUND:The pathogenesis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy has not yet been clarified,and TAM(Tyro3,Axl,and MerTK)receptor tyrosine kinases can control apoptotic cells and suppress inflammatory responses in the central nervous system. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the difference of Mer receptor tyrosine kinase(MerTK)levels in plasma and sciatic nerve tissue of Sprague-Dawley rats with type 2 diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy,and to study the correlation between MerTK and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. METHODS:Forty male Sprague-Dawley were randomly divided into control group with 15 rats,type 2 diabetes group with 10 rats,and diabetic peripheral neuropathy group with 15 rats.The control group was fed with ordinary diet,while the experimental groups were fed with high-fat and high-sugar diet.After 6 weeks,intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at the minimum dose of 35 mg/kg was administered in the two experimental groups.After 14 days,tail vein blood was collected to detect blood glucose.If blood glucose≥16.7 mmol/L,the model of type 2 diabetes was successfully established.Rats in the diabetic peripheral neuropathy group continued to be fed with a high-sugar and high-fat diet for 8 weeks.The sciatic nerve conduction velocity of rats was detected through live isolation under anesthesia.Blood samples were collected from the abdominal aorta,and the sciatic nerve tissue was collected.Histological changes of nerve fibers in each group were observed under a light microscope to confirm the success of diabetic peripheral neuropathy modeling.ELISA was used to detect peripheral blood glucose,blood lipids and serum MerTK levels in rats;hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the histological changes in the sciatic nerve;immunofluorescence,immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to detect the expression of MerTK in the sciatic nerve tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The Sprague-Dawley rat models of type 2 diabetes and type 2 diabetes peripheral neuropathy were successfully constructed,and the modeling rate of diabetic peripheral neuropathy was 80%.Compared with the control group,the blood glucose levels of rats in the type 2 diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy groups were significantly higher(P<0.000 1),while the blood glucose level in the diabetic peripheral neuropathy group was higher than that in the type 2 diabetes group;and the sciatic nerve conduction velocity was significantly decreased(P<0.05),which was lower in the diabetic peripheral neuropathy group than the type 2 diabetes group.Histological examination:Compared with the control group,the sciatic nerve nuclei were reduced in the type 2 diabetes group,with some vacuolar degeneration and phagocytosis;in the diabetic peripheral neuropathy group,the cell body was swollen,the nuclear spacing was increased,vacuolar degeneration was observed,and the myelin sheath was partitioned and unsmooth,and lattice-like axons appeared.Serum MerTK levels were significantly higher in the diabetic peripheral neuropathy group than the control group.Expression of MerTK in the sciatic nerve tissue was significantly upregulated in the diabetic peripheral neuropathy group compared with the control group(P<0.05).To conclude,elevated levels of MerTK in plasma and sciatic nerve tissue of rats with diabetic peripheral neuropathy are presumably related to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

BACKGROUND:Traditional surgery for lumbar disc herniation involves extensive excision of tissue surrounding the nerve for decompression and removal of protruding lumbar intervertebral discs,which poses various risks and complications such as nerve damage causing paralysis,lumbar instability,herniation recurrence,intervertebral space infection,and adjacent vertebral diseases. OBJECTIVE:To propose the symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous technique for lumbar spine symmetrically decompression,showing the induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous phenomenon and early clinical efficacy,and then analyze its decompression mechanism. METHODS:214 patients with lumbar disc herniation at Department of Orthopedics,First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March 2021 to May 2023 were enrolled in this study.Among them,81 patients received conservative treatment as the control group,and 133 patients received symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous treatment as the trial group.Before surgery,immediately after surgery(7-14 days),and early after surgery(over 1 year),MRI images were used to measure the volume changes of lumbar disc herniation.CT images were used to measure the posterior displacement distance of the lumbar spinous process ligament complex,as well as the width and height of the lateral recess.Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores were used to evaluate the patient's neurological function recovery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Control group:81 patients with lumbar disc herniation were treated conservatively,with a total of 171 herniated lumbar discs.The average follow-up time was(22.7±23.1)months.The first and second MRI measurements of 171 herniated lumbar discs showed herniated lumbar disc volumes of(551.6±257.9)mm3 and(792.2±330.4)mm3,respectively,with an average volume increase rate of(53.2±44.4)%,showing statistically significant differences(P<0.001).Out of 171 herniated lumbar discs,4 experienced natural shrinkage,with an absorption ratio of 2.3%(4/171)and an absorption rate of(24.5±9.9)%.(2)Trial group:133 patients with lumbar disc herniation had a total of 285 herniated lumbar discs.(1)Immediately after surgery:All patients were followed up immediately after surgery.229 out of 285 herniated lumbar discs experienced retraction,with an absorption ratio of 80.3%(229/285)and an average absorption rate of(21.5±20.9)%,with significant and complete absorption accounting for 6.5%.There were a total of 70 herniated lumbar discs in the upper lumbar spine,with an absorption ratio of 85.7%(60/70),an average absorption rate of(23.1±19.5)%,and a maximum absorption rate of 86.6%.There were 215 herniated lumbar discs in the lower lumbar spine,with an absorption ratio of 78.6%(169/215),an average absorption rate of(21.0±21.3)%,and a maximum absorption rate of 83.2%.Significant and complete absorption of the upper and lower lumbar vertebrae accounted for 5.7%and 6.5%,respectively,with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).The average distance of posterior displacement of the spinous process ligament complex immediately after surgery was(5.2±2.8)mm.There were no significant differences in the width and height of the left and right lateral recess before and immediately after surgery(P>0.05).The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score immediately after surgery increased from(10.1±3.4)before surgery to(17.0±4.8),and the immediate effective rate after surgery reached 95.6%.(2)Early postoperative period:Among them,46 patients completed the early postoperative follow-up.There were 101 herniated lumbar discs,with an absorption ratio of 94%(95/101)and an average absorption rate of(36.9±23.7)%.Significant and complete absorption accounted for 30.6%,with a maximum absorption rate of 100%.Out of 101 herniated lumbar discs,3 remained unchanged in volume,with a volume invariance rate of 2.97%(3/101).Out of 101 herniated lumbar discs,3 had an increased volume of herniated lumbar discs,with an increase ratio of 2.97%(3/101)and an increase rate of(18.5±18.4)%.The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score increased from preoperative(9.3±5.1)to(23.5±4.0),with an excellent and good rate of 93.4%.(3)The early postoperative lumbar disc herniation absorption ratios of the control group and trial group were 2.3%and 85.9%,respectively,with statistically significant differences(P<0.001).(4)Complications:There were two cases of incision exudation and delayed healing in the trial group.After conservative treatment such as dressing change,no nerve injury or death occurred in the incision healing,and no cases underwent a second surgery.(5)It is concluded that symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous is a new method for treating lumbar disc herniation that can avoid extensive excision of the"ring"nerve and achieve satisfactory early clinical efficacy.It does not damage the lumbar facet joints or alter the basic anatomical structure of the lateral recess,fully preserves the herniated lumbar discs,and can induce significant or even complete induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous.Symmetrically adduction of lumbar decompression induced resorption of herniated nucleus pulpous provides a new basis and method for the clinical treatment of lumbar disc herniation.